SAHAJ A school based age graded comprehensive sexuality education curriculum
सम्मान, हक्क, जबाबदारी
(Respect, Rights, Responsibilities)
Prayas Health Group is implementing a school-based comprehensive sexuality education curriculum called SAHAJ, which is an acronym for respect, right and responsibilities in Marathi. This curriculum Is adopted from the Rights Respect Responsibilities (3Rs) program which is an initiative by Advocates for Youth, an USA-based organization that aims to promote healthy relationships and responsible behavior among young people. This curriculum is based on the research evidence and experience of three decades and meets the National Sexuality Education Standards, USA, and includes learners of all genders and sexual orientations. Its lessons are structured and age-appropriate, beginning with basic lessons about friendship and safety and introducing more complex concepts as students age.
Prayas Health Group adopted the program to be implemented in the Indian context. The adaptation is based on PHG’s experience of conducting sessions in schools in different contexts (Urban, urban slums, rural, tribal, etc.). The core content and activities used in the curriculum will help the student to relate it to their lives, understand situations that make them susceptible to potential adverse outcomes, and develop self-efficacy and skills to apply the knowledge to actual life situations. This curriculum will help students to acquire essential, scientific, consistent knowledge regarding sexuality, healthy attitudes, and necessary skills such as self-awareness (the ability to recognize one's emotions and thoughts and their influence on behavior), self-management (the ability to regulate one's feelings, thoughts, and behaviors); social awareness (the ability to take the perspective of and empathize with others); relationship skills (communication, cooperation, active listening, and conflict negotiation); and responsible decision-making.
There are total 80 structured and age-appropriate sessions for students of 1st to 10th grade. Following issues are covered under this curriculum:
- Healthy and unhealthy relationships
- Teasing, harassment and bullying,
- Reproductive anatomy and functioning
- Making sense of puberty
- Gender, gender roles, sexual orientation
- Abuse, consent, understanding boundaries, rights and laws
- Staying safe, (offline and on the internet)
- Making SMART choices
- Conception, contraception, STIs, HIV, safe sex
- Assertive communication
PHG is implementing this curriculum in one CBSE English medium school from Ahmadnagar- Urja Grurukul School and one State board, Marathi medium school – Kamalabai Nimbkar Balbhavan School from Phalatan. We also engage with teachers and parents by conducting workshops and sessions on why, when, what and how to communicate about sexuality related issues with children and adolescents.
If you would like to know more about this program then please contact Dr. Trupti Darak through email (